“In a statement released through one of its propaganda outlets, the so-called Islamic State said ‘explosive belts and devices’ were used,” the Independent noted on its website.

“Islamic State fighters opened fire inside Zaventem Airport, before several of them detonated their explosive belts, as a martyrdom bomber detonated his explosive belt in the Maalbeek metro station,” a spokesperson said. “The attacks resulted in more than 230 dead and wounded.” The group also said Belgium was targeted as “a country participating in the international coalition against the Islamic State.”